One escaped inmate captured in Lincoln, the other remains at large

One of the two inmates who escaped from the Lincoln Corrections Center has been captured. The other remains at large.

The Nebraska State Patrol reports 37-year-old Armon Dixon was taken into custody at 2:10pm Saturday without incident.

Officers found Dixon hiding in a storm drain after responding to an emergency call about an assault.

According to NSP, officers responded to the call at 11:12am Saturday in the 5900 block of Norfolk Driver. Two women told officers a black man had assaulted them. Their description matched that of Dixon. One of the victims, who is in her 60’s, has been admitted for observation at a Lincoln hospital. The other, in her 20’s, was treated and released.

A massive manhunt involving officers with the Nebraska State Patrol, the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the Metro Fugitive Task Force, and University of Nebraska Police Department began in the area.

Inmate Timonthy Clausen/Dept. of Correctional Services photo

At around 11:30am, a man matching Dixon’s description was seen entering the storm drainage system near 49th and Francis Street. A K-9 tracked him into a storm drain. An NSP robot located Dixon hiding in the storm drain. It took a while, but Dixon finally got out of the drain and gave himself up shortly after two o’clock.

NSP says Dixon is being held at a secure location as the investigation continues.

The search for 52-year-old Timothy Clausen continues.

NSP describes him as an African-American male, 5’8″, 160 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Clausen does not have distinguishing marks or tattoos and could be wearing his hair in cornrows or pulled back.

Though he might have changed clothes, he was last seen wearing tan pants and gray long-sleeved shirts.

“Our work is not over,” Chief Jeff Bliemeister, Lincoln Police Dept. said. “Our efforts will continue until we have the second escapee in custody.”

Clausen is considered dangerous and citizens are encouraged to call 911, the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline at *55 from any cellphone or the Lincoln Police Department Crimestoppers at 402-475-3600 with any information that could lead to his arrest.

“We want citizens to know we are utilizing all available resources in the search for the remaining escapee”, Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol said. “We encourage citizens to be aware and vigilant as our efforts to capture him continue.”

State Corrections Director Scott Frakes apologized to the public, stating his agency failed in its mission by allowing the escape.

“We are cooperating fully with various law enforcement agencies working around-the-clock to apprehend Inmates Dixon and Clausen,” Frakes stated. “I ask the public to remain vigilant and contact law enforcement immediately if you see either of them. Do not approach them, they are dangerous.”

Frakes added, “My agency failed to carry out its mission of keeping the public safe and there are no excuses for this lapse. At this point, we know that failure to follow established, basic security practices contributed to these escapes. An investigation is already underway, and it will be thorough. The responsible parties will be held accountable.”

The Lincoln Correctional Center remains on restricted movement until further notice pending a thorough review of the facility’s security practices, according to Frakes.